Jackson's Confirmation Would Put Her in a Unique Position: Justice-in-Waiting

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will suddenly find herself with a lot of time on her hands if the Senate fulfills expectations and confirms her to the U.S. Supreme Court this week.

The busiest six weeks of Jackson’s life are likely to turn into a three-month wait once she wins approval to occupy a Supreme Court seat that won’t open until late June or early July. Justice Stephen Breyer said in January he will retire when the court’s current term ends.

It will be an unprecedented position, created by the timing...